Independent Standard-Setting Boards

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board sets high-quality international standards for auditing, assurance, and quality control that strengthen public confidence in the global profession.

The International Accounting Education Standards Board establishes standards, in the area of professional accounting education, that prescribe technical competence and professional skills, values, ethics, and attitudes.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board develops standards, guidance, and resources for use by public sector entities around the world for preparation of general purpose financial statements.

Chris Austin

Job Title: ChairCountry: United Kingdom

Chris Austin joined the International Accounting Education Standards Board in 2011 and became chair in January 2015.

He is a senior civil servant with 30 years’ experience of international relations, covering international development, Europe, and G-8 issues. He has been posted in Africa (four years), Asia (four years) and Washington, DC (three years).

In November 2014, Mr. Austin was appointed the UK Department for International Development (DFID) Country Director for Afghanistan, based in Kabul, managing the UK’s £178 million annual support for economic development. Most recently, he was Head of the UK’s Stabilisation Unit (reporting jointly to FCO, MoD and DFID), which provides policy and operational support to the UK’s responses to conflict and crises (including Ukraine, Libya, Somalia, and Iraq). In 2013, he was Director, G-8, based in the Cabinet Office. This role covered negotiations with G-8 partners, and engagement with other governments, NGOs, and the private sector on extractives, land governance, and open data.

Previous posts include: Head of Conflict, Humanitarian and Security at DFID (2011-2012); Country Director in Bangladesh (2007-11); and Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State (1999-2001).

Mr. Austin was seconded to HM Treasury as head of EU Finances (2003-06) and to the World Bank/International Monetary Fund in the UK Executive Director’s office (1995-99).

He has a BA (Hons) in Modern History (London, 1984), an MBA (Lancaster, 1993) and an MSc in Public Management (Warwick, 2011). He qualified as a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy in 2008.

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